[Is there progress in preventive screening for colorectal carcinoma?]

Abstract

Cost-benefit analysis for colorectal cancer-screening of asymptomatic patients has been discussed controversially. In patients with genetic predisposition for colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps or resected cancer as well as inflammatory bowel disease in contrast the incidence of new cancer can be lowered by endoscopic surveillance. Newer techniques from molecular biology will in the near future permit to detect patients at risk with higher certitude and at an earlier time.